(伊索寓言(英文版)

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Aesop's Fables

The Cock and the Pearl

A cock was once strutting up and down the farmyard among the hens
when suddenly he espied something shinning amid the straw. "Ho! ho!"
quoth he, "that's for me," and soon rooted it out from beneath the straw.
What did it turn out to be but a Pearl that by some chance had been lost in
the yard? "You may be a treasure," quoth Master Cock, "to men that
prize you, but for me I would rather have a single barley-corn than a peck
of pearls."

Precious things are for those that can prize them.

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Aesop's Fables

The Wolf and the Lamb

Once upon a time a Wolf was lapping at a spring on a hillside, when,
looking up, what should he see but a Lamb just beginning to drink a little
lower down. "There's my supper," thought he, "if only I can find some
excuse to seize it." Then he called out to the Lamb, "How dare you
muddle the water from which I am drinking?"

"Nay, master, nay," said Lambikin; "if the water be muddy up there, I
cannot be the cause of it, for it runs down from you to me."

"Well, then," said the Wolf, "why did you call me bad names this time
last year?"

"That cannot be," said the Lamb; "I am only six months old."

"I don't care," snarled the Wolf; "if it was not you it was your father;"
and with that he rushed upon the poor little Lamb and .WARRA
WARRA WARRA WARRA WARRA .ate her all up. But before she
died she gasped out ."Any excuse will serve a tyrant."

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Aesop's Fables

The Dog and the Shadow

It happened that a Dog had got a piece of meat and was carrying it
home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he had to
cross a plank lying across a running brook. As he crossed, he looked
down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water beneath. Thinking
it was another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to
have that also. So he made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he
opened his mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and
was never seen more.

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

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Aesop's Fables

The Lion's Share

The Lion went once a-hunting along with the Fox, the Jackal, and the
Wolf. They hunted and they hunted till at last they surprised a Stag, and
soon took its life. Then came the question how the spoil should be
divided. "Quarter me this Stag," roared the Lion; so the other animals
skinned it and cut it into four parts. Then the Lion took his stand in front
of the carcass and pronounced judgment: The first quarter is for me in
my capacity as King of Beasts; the second is mine as arbiter; another share
comes to me for my part in the chase; and as for the fourth quarter, well,
as for that, I should like to see which of you will dare to lay a paw upon
it."

"Humph," grumbled the Fox as he walked away with his tail between
his legs; but he spoke in a lo

w growl ."You may share the labours of the
great, but you will not share the spoil."

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Aesop's Fables

The Wolf and the Crane

A Wolf had been gorging on an animal he had killed, when suddenly
a small bone in the meat stuck in his throat and he could not swallow it.
He soon felt terrible pain in his throat, and ran up and down groaning and
groaning and seeking for something to relieve the pain. He tried to
induce every one he met to remove the bone. "I would give anything,"
said he, "if you would take it out." At last the Crane agreed to try, and
told the Wolf to lie on his side and open his jaws as wide as he could.
Then the Crane put its long neck down the Wolf's throat, and with its beak
loosened the bone, till at last it got it out.

"Will you kindly give me the reward you promised?" said the Crane.

The Wolf grinned and showed his teeth and said: "Be content. You
have put your head inside a Wolf's mouth and taken it out again in safety;
that ought to be reward enough for you."

Gratitude and greed go not together.

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Aesop's Fables

The Man and the Serpent

A Countryman's son by accident trod upon a Serpent's tail, which
turned and bit him so that he died. The father in a rage got his axe, and
pursuing the Serpent, cut off part of its tail. So the Serpent in revenge
began stinging several of the Farmer's cattle and caused him severe loss.
Well, the Farmer thought it best to make it up with the Serpent, and
brought food and honey to the mouth of its lair, and said to it: "Let's forget
and forgive; perhaps you were right to punish my son, and take vengeance
on my cattle, but surely I was right in trying to revenge him; now that we
are both satisfied why should not we be friends again?"

"No, no," said the Serpent; "take away your gifts; you can never forget
the death of your son, nor I the loss of my tail."

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

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Aesop's Fables

The Town Mouse and the Country
Mouse


Now you must know that a Town Mouse once upon a time went on a
visit to his cousin in the country. He was rough and ready, this cousin,
but he loved his town friend and made him heartily welcome. Beans and
bacon, cheese and bread, were all he had to offer, but he offered them
freely. The Town Mouse rather turned up his long nose at this country
fare, and said: "I cannot understand, Cousin, how you can put up with
such poor food as this, but of course you cannot expect anything better in
the country; come you with me and I will show you how to live. When
you have been in town a week you will wonder how you could ever have
stood a country life." No sooner said than done: the two mice set off for
the town and arrived at the Town Mouse's residence late at night. "You
will want some refreshment after our long journey," said the polite Town
Mouse, and took his friend into the grand dining-room. There they found
t

he remains of a fine feast, and soon the two mice were eating up jellies
and cakes and all that was nice. Suddenly they heard growling and
barking. "What is that?" said the Country Mouse. "It is only the dogs of
the house," answered the other. "Only!" said the Country Mouse. "I do
not like that music at my dinner." Just at that moment the door flew open,
in came two huge mastiffs, and the two mice had to scamper down and run
off. "Good-bye, Cousin," said the Country Mouse, "What! going so
soon?" said the other. "Yes," he replied;

"Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear."

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Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Crow

A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and
settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master
Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree. "Good-day, Mistress
Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your
feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of
other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you
that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds." The Crow lifted up her head
and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the
piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox.
"That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your
cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future ."Do not trust
flatterers."

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Aesop's Fables

The Sick Lion

A Lion had come to the end of his days and lay sick unto death at the
mouth of his cave, gasping for breath. The animals, his subjects, came
round him and drew nearer as he grew more and more helpless. When
they saw him on the point of death they thought to themselves: "Now is
the time to pay off old grudges." So the Boar came up and drove at him
with his tusks; then a Bull gored him with his horns; still the Lion lay
helpless before them: so the Ass, feeling quite safe from danger, came up,
and turning his tail to the Lion kicked up his heels into his face. "This is
a double death," growled the Lion.

Only cowards insult dying majesty.

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Aesop's Fables

The Ass and the Lapdog

A Farmer one day came to the stables to see to his beasts of burden:
among them was his favourite Ass, that was always well fed and often
carried his master. With the Farmer came his Lapdog, who danced about
and licked his hand and frisked about as happy as could be. The Farmer
felt in his pocket, gave the Lapdog some dainty food, and sat down while
he gave his orders to his servants. The Lapdog jumped into his master's
lap, and lay there blinking while the Farmer stroked his ears. The Ass,
seeing this, broke loose from his halter and commenced prancing about in
imitation of the Lapdog. The Farmer could not hold his sides with
laughter, so the Ass went up to him, and putting his feet upon the Farmer's
s

houlder attempted to climb into his lap. The Farmer's servants rushed
up with sticks and pitchforks and soon taught the Ass that .Clumsy
jesting is no joke.

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Aesop's Fables

The Lion and the Mouse

Once when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and
down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw
upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King,"
cried the little Mouse: "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who
knows but what I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?" The
Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that
he lifted up his paw and let him go. Some time after the Lion was caught
in a trap, and the hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied
him to a tree while they went in search of a waggon to carry him on. Just
then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in
which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that
bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse.

Little friends may prove great friends.

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Aesop's Fables

The Swallow and the Other Birds

It happened that a Countryman was sowing some hemp seeds in a
field where a Swallow and some other birds were hopping about picking
up their food. "Beware of that man," quoth the Swallow. "Why, what is
he doing?" said the others. "That is hemp seed he is sowing; be careful
to pick up every one of the seeds, or else you will repent it." The birds
paid no heed to the Swallow's words, and by and by the hemp grew up and
was made into cord, and of the cords nets were made, and many a bird that
had despised the Swallow's advice was caught in nets made out of that
very hemp. "What did I tell you?" said the Swallow.

Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.

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Aesop's Fables

The Frogs Desiring a King

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that
just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody
troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was not right,
that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined
to send up a petition to Jove to give them what they wanted. "Mighty
Jove," they cried, "send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in
order." Jove laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the swamp a
huge Log, which came downrplashto the swamp. The Frogs were
frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all
rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing
that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out
towards the Log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move. Then
the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced
dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did the
sam

e; and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day
without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their
midst. But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Jove, and
said to him, "We want a real king; one that will really rule over us." Now
this made Jove angry, so he sent among them a big Stork that soon set to
work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented when too late.

Better no rule than cruel rule.

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Aesop's Fables

The Mountains in Labour

One day the Countrymen noticed that the Mountains were in labour;
smoke came out of their summits, the earth was quaking at their feet, trees
were crashing, and huge rocks were tumbling. They felt sure that
something horrible was going to happen. They all gathered together in
one place to see what terrible thing this could be. They waited and they
waited, but nothing came. At last there was a still more violent
earthquake, and a huge gap appeared in the side of the Mountains. They
all fell down upon their knees and waited. At last, and at last, a teeny,
tiny mouse poked its little head and bristles out of the gap and came
running down towards them, and ever after they used to say:

"Much outcry, little outcome."

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Aesop's Fables

The Hares and the Frogs

The Hares were so persecuted by the other beasts, they did not know
where to go. As soon as they saw a single animal approach them, off
they used to run. One day they saw a troop of wild Horses stampeding
about, and in quite a panic all the Hares scuttled off to a lake hard by,
determined to drown themselves rather than live in such a continual state
of fear. But just as they got near the bank of the lake, a troop of Frogs,
frightened in their turn by the approach of the Hares scuttled off, and
jumped into the water. "Truly," said one of the Hares, "things are not so
bad as they seem:

"There is always someone worse off than yourself."

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Aesop's Fables

The Wolf and the Kid

A Kid was perched up on the top of a house, and looking down saw a
Wolf passing under him. Immediately he began to revile and attack his
enemy. "Murderer and thief," he cried, "what do you here near honest
folks' houses? How dare you make an appearance where your vile deeds
are known?"

"Curse away, my young friend," said the Wolf.

"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance."

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Aesop's Fables

The Woodman and the Serpent

One wintry day a Woodman was tramping home from his work when
he saw something black lying on the snow. When he came closer he saw
it was a Serpent to all appearance dead. But he took it up and put it in his
bosom to warm while he hurried home. As soon as he got indoors he put
the Serpent down on the hearth before the fire. The children watched it
and saw it slowly come to life again. Then one of them stooped down to
stroke it, but thc Serpent raised its

head and put out its fangs and was
about to sting the child to death. So the Woodman seized his axe, and
with one stroke cut the Serpent in two. "Ah," said he,

"No gratitude from the wicked."

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Aesop's Fables

The Bald Man and the Fly

There was once a Bald Man who sat down after work on a hot
summer's day. A Fly came up and kept buzzing about his bald pate, and
stinging him from time to time. The Man aimed a blow at his little
enemy, but acks palm came on his head instead; again the Fly tormented
him, but this time the Man was wiser and said:

"You will only injure yourself if you take notice of despicable
enemies."

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Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Stork

At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed
very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke
put nothing before her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the
Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long
bill in it, and left the meal as hungry as when she began. "I am sorry,"
said the Fox, "the soup is not to your liking."

"Pray do not apologise," said the Stork. "I hope you will return this
visit, and come and dine with me soon." So a day was appointed when
the Fox should visit the Stork; but when they were seated at table all that
was for their dinner was contained in a very long-necked jar with a narrow
mouth, in which the Fox could not insert his snout, so all he could manage
to do was to lick the outside of the jar.

"I will not apologise for the dinner," said the Stork:

"One bad turn deserves another."

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Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Mask

A Fox had by some means got into the store-room of a theatre.
Suddenly he observed a face glaring down on him and began to be very
frightened; but looking more closely he found it was only a Mask such as
actors use to put over their face. "Ah," said the Fox, "you look very fine;
it is a pity you have not got any brains."

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

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Aesop's Fables

The Jay and the Peacock

A Jay venturing into a yard where Peacocks used to walk, found there
a number of feathers which had fallen from the Peacocks when they were
moulting. He tied them all to his tail and strutted down towards the
Peacocks. When he came near them they soon discovered the cheat, and
striding up to him pecked at him and plucked away his borrowed plumes.
So the Jay could do no better than go back to the other Jays, who had
watched his behaviour from a distance; but they were equally annoyed
with him, and told him:

"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds."

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Aesop's Fables

The Frog and the Ox

"Oh Father," said a little Frog to the big one sitting by the side of a
pool, "I have seen such a terrible monster! It was as big as a mountain,
with horns on its head, and a long tail, and

it had hoofs divided in two."

"Tush, child, tush," said the old Frog, "that was only Farmer White's
Ox. It isn't so big either; he may be a little bit taller than I, but I could
easily make myself quite as broad; just you see." So he blew himself out,
and blew himself out, and blew himself out. "Was he as big as that?"
asked he.

"Oh, much bigger than that," said the young Frog.

Again the old one blew himself out, and asked the young one if the Ox
was as big as that.

"Bigger, father, bigger," was the reply.

So the Frog took a deep breath, and blew and blew and blew, and
swelled and swelled and swelled. And then he said: "I'm sure the Ox is
not as big asBut at this moment he burst.

Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.

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Aesop's Fables

Androcles

A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to
the forest. As he was wandering about there he came upon a Lion lying
down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that
the Lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up to him. As he
came near, the Lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding,
and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all
the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the Lion, who
was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog. Then the
Lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day used to bring him meat
from which to live. But shortly afterwards both Androcles and the Lion
were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the Lion, after
the latter had been kept without food for several days. The Emperor and
all his Court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was led out into the
middle of the arena. Soon the Lion was let loose from his den, and
rushed bounding and roaring towards his victim. But as soon as he came
near to Androcles he recognised his friend, and fawned upon him, and
licked his hands like a friendly dog. The Emperor, surprised at this,
summoned Androcles to him, who told him the whole story. Whereupon
the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose to his native
forest.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

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Aesop's Fables

The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts

A great conflict was about to come off between the Birds and the
Beasts. When the two armies were collected together the Bat hesitated
which to join. The Birds that passed his perch said: "Come with us"; but
he said: "I am a Beast." Later on, some Beasts who were passing
underneath him looked up and said: "Come with us"; but he said: "I am a
Bird." Luckily at the last moment peace was made, and no battle took
place, so the Bat came to the Birds and wished to join in the rejoicings, but
they all turned against him and he had to fly away. He then went to the
Beasts, but soon had to beat a retreat, or else they would have torn him to
pieces. "Ah,"

said the Bat, "I see now,

"He that is neither one thing nor the other has no friends."

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Aesop's Fables

The Hart and the Hunter

The Hart was once drinking from a pool and admiring the noble
figure he made there. "Ah," said he, "where can you see such noble
horns as these, with such antlers! I wish I had legs more worthy to bear
such a noble crown; it is a pity they are so slim and slight." At that
moment a Hunter approached and sent an arrow whistling after him.
Away bounded the Hart, and soon, by the aid of his nimble legs, was
nearly out of sight of the Hunter; but not noticing where he was going, he
passed under some trees with branches growing low down in which his
antlers were caught, so that the Hunter had time to come up. "Alas!
alas!" cried the Hart:

"We often despise what is most useful to us."

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Aesop's Fables

The Serpent and the File

A Serpent in the course of its wanderings came into an armourer's
shop. As he glided over the floor he felt his skin pricked by a file lying
there. In a rage he turned round upon it and tried to dart his fangs into it;
but he could do no harm to heavy iron and had soon to give over his
wrath.

It is useless attacking the insensible.

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Aesop's Fables

The Man and the Wood

A Man came into a Wood one day with an axe in his hand, and
begged all the Trees to give him a small branch which he wanted for a
particular purpose. The Trees were good-natured and gave him one of
their branches. What did the Man do but fix it into the axe head, and
soon set to work cutting down tree after tree. Then the Trees saw how
foolish they had been in giving their enemy the means of destroying
themselves.

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Aesop's Fables

The Dog and the Wolf

A gaunt Wolf was almost dead with hunger when he happened to
meet a House-dog who was passing by. "Ah, Cousin," said the Dog. "I
knew how it would be; your irregular life will soon be the ruin of you.
Why do you not work steadily as I do, and get your food regularly given to
you?"

"I would have no objection," said the Wolf, "if I could only get a
place."

"I will easily arrange that for you," said the Dog; "come with me to my
master and you shall share my work."

So the Wolf and the Dog went towards the town together. On the
way there the Wolf noticed that the hair on a certain part of the Dog's neck
was very much worn away, so he asked him how that had come about.

"Oh, it is nothing," said the Dog. "That is only the place where the
collar is put on at night to keep me chained up; it chafes a bit, but one soon
gets used to it."

"Is that all?" said the Wolf. "Then good-bye to you, Master Dog."

Better starve free than be a fat slave.

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Aesop's Fables

The Belly and the Members

One fine day it occurred to the Members of the Body that they were
doing all the work and the Belly was having all the food. So

they held a
meeting, and after a long discussion, decided to strike work till the Belly
consented to take its proper share of the work. So for a day or two, the
Hands refused to take the food, the Mouth refused to receive it, and the
Teeth had no work to do. But after a day or two the Members began to
find that they themselves were not in a very active condition: the Hands
could hardly move, and the Mouth was all parched and dry, while the Legs
were unable to support the rest. So thus they found that even the Belly in
its dull quiet way was doing necessary work for the Body, and that all
must work together or the Body will go to pieces.

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Aesop's Fables

The Hart in the Ox-Stall

A Hart hotly pursued by the hounds fled for refuge into an ox-stall,
and buried itself in a truss of hay, leaving nothing to be seen but the tips of
his horns. Soon after the Hunters came up and asked if any one had seen
the Hart. The stable boys, who had been resting after their dinner, looked
round, but could see nothing, and the Hunters went away. Shortly
afterwards the master came in, and looking round, saw that something
unusual had taken place. He pointed to the truss of hay and said: "What
are those two curious things sticking out of the hay?" And when the
stable boys came to look they discovered the Hart, and soon made an end
of him. He thus learnt that Nothing escapes the master's eye.

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Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Grapes

One hot summer's day a Fox was strolling through an orchard till he
came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which had been trained
over a lofty branch. "Just the thing to quench my thirst," quoth he.
Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the
bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but
with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting
morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the
air, saying: "I am sure they are sour."

It is easy to despise what you cannot get.

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Aesop's Fables

The Horse, Hunter, and Stag

A quarrel had arisen between the Horse and the Stag, so the Horse
came to a Hunter to ask his help to take revenge on the Stag. The Hunter
agreed, but said: "If you desire to conquer the Stag, you must permit me to
place this piece of iron between your jaws, so that I may guide you with
these reins, and allow this saddle to be placed upon your back so that I
may keep steady upon you as we follow after the enemy." The Horse
agreed to the conditions, and the Hunter soon saddled and bridled him.
Then with the aid of the Hunter the Horse soon overcame the Stag, and
said to the Hunter: "Now, get off, and remove those things from my mouth
and back."

"Not so fast, friend," said the Hunter. "I have now got you under bit
and spur, and prefer to keep you as you are at present."

If you allow men to

use you for your own purposes, they will use you
for theirs.

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Aesop's Fables

The Peacock and Juno

A Peacock once placed a petition before Juno desiring to have the
voice of a nightingale in addition to his other attractions; but Juno refused
his request. When he persisted, and pointed out that he was her favourite
bird, she said:

"Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything."

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Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Lion


When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran
away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the
King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by.
The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the
Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were,
and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning
his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

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Aesop's Fables

The Lion and the Statue

A Man and a Lion were discussing the relative strength of men and
lions in general. The Man contended that he and his fellows were
stronger than lions by reason of their greater intelligence. "Come now with
me," he cried, "and I will soon prove that I am right." So he took him
into the public gardens and showed him a statue of Hercules overcoming
the Lion and tearing his mouth in two.

"That is all very well," said the Lion, "but proves nothing, for it was a
man who made the statue."

We can easily represent things as we wish them to be.

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Aesop's Fables

The Ant and the Grasshopper

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about,
chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing
along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.

"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of
toiling and moiling in that way?"

"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and
recommend you to do the same."

"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty
of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil.
When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying
of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from
the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper
knew:

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

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Aesop's Fables

The Tree and the Reed

"Well, little one," said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at its foot,
"why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head
boldly in the air as I do?"

"I am contented with my lot," said the Reed. "I may not be so grand,
but I think I am safer."

"Safe!" sneered the Tree. "Who shall pluck me up by the roots or
bow my head to the ground?" But it soon had to

repent of its boasting,
for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots, and cast it a useless
log on the ground, while the little Reed, bending to the force of the wind,
soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Obscurity often brings safety.

38



Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Cat

A Fox was boasting to a Cat of its clever devices for escaping its
enemies. "I have a whole bag of tricks," he said, "which contains a
hundred ways of escaping my enemies."

"I have only one," said the Cat; "but I can generally manage with that."
Just at that moment they heard the cry of a pack of hounds coming
towards them, and the Cat immediately scampered up a tree and hid
herself in the boughs. "This is my plan," said the Cat. "What are you
going to do?" The Fox thought first of one way, then of another, and
while he was debating the hounds came nearer and nearer, and at last the
Fox in his confusion was caught up by the hounds and soon killed by the
huntsmen. Miss Puss, who had been looking on, said:

"Better one safe way than a hundred on which you cannot reckon."

39



Aesop's Fables

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

A Wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep owing to the
vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day it found the skin of a
sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside, so it put it on over its own
pelt and strolled down among the sheep. The Lamb that belonged to the
sheep, whose skin the Wolf was wearing, began to follow the Wolf in the
Sheep's clothing; so, leading the Lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal
off her, and for some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and
enjoying hearty meals.

Appearances are deceptive.

40



Aesop's Fables

The Dog in the Manger

A Dog looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an
Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw. But soon the Ox, returning from
its afternoon work, came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the
straw. The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and
barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last
the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away
muttering:

"Ah, people often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves."

41



Aesop's Fables

The Man and the Wooden God

In the old days men used to worship stocks and stones and idols, and
prayed to them to give them luck. It happened that a Man had often
prayed to a wooden idol he had received from his father, but his luck never
seemed to change. He prayed and he prayed, but still he remained as
unlucky as ever. One day in the greatest rage he went to the Wooden
God, and with one blow swept it down from its pedestal. The idol broke
in two, and what did he see? An immense number of coins flying all
over the place.

42



Aesop's Fables

The Fisher

A Fisher onc

e took his bagpipes to the bank of a river, and played
upon them with the hope of making the fish rise; but never a one put his
nose out of the water. So he cast his net into the river and soon drew it
forth filled with fish. Then he took his bagpipes again, and, as he played,
the fish leapt up in the net. "Ah, you dance now when I play," said he.

"Yes," said an old Fish:

"When you are in a man's power you must do as he bids you."

43



Aesop's Fables

The Shepherd's Boy

There was once a young Shepherd Boy who tended his sheep at the
foot of a mountain near a dark forest. It was rather lonely for him all day,
so he thought upon a plan by which he could get a little company and
some excitement. He rushed down towards the village calling out "Wolf,
Wolf," and the villagers came out to meet him, and some of them stopped
with him for a considerable time. This pleased the boy so much that a
few days afterwards he tried the same trick, and again the villagers came
to his help. But shortly after this a Wolf actually did come out from the
forest, and began to worry the sheep, and the boy of course cried out
"Wolf, Wolf," still louder than before. But this time the villagers, who
had been fooled twice before, thought the boy was again deceiving them,
and nobody stirred to come to his help. So the Wolf made a good meal
off the boy's flock, and when the boy complained, the wise man of the
village said:

"A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth."

44



Aesop's Fables

The Young Thief and His Mother

A young Man had been caught in a daring act of theft and had been
condemned to be executed for it. He expressed his desire to see his
Mother, and to speak with her before he was led to execution, and of
course this was granted. When his Mother came to him he said: "I want
to whisper to you," and when she brought her ear near him, he nearly bit it
off. All the bystanders were horrified, and asked him what he could
mean by such brutal and inhuman conduct. "It is to punish her," he said.
"When I was young I began with stealing little things, and brought them
home to Mother. Instead of rebuking and punishing me, she laughed and
said: "It will not be noticed." It is because of her that I am here to-day."

"He is right, woman," said the Priest; "the Lord hath said:

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will
not depart therefrom."

45



Aesop's Fables

The Man and His Two Wives

In the old days, when men were allowed to have many wives, a
middle-aged Man had one wife that was old and one that was young; each
loved him very much, and desired to see him like herself. Now the Man's
hair was turning grey, which the young Wife did not like, as it made him
look too old for her husband. So every night she used to comb his hair
and pick out the white ones. But the elder Wife saw her husband
growing grey w

ith great pleasure, for she did not like to be mistaken for
his mother. So every morning she used to arrange his hair and pick out
as many of the black ones as she could. The consequence was the Man
soon found himself entirely bald.

Yield to all and you will soon have nothing to yield.

46



Aesop's Fables

The Nurse and the Wolf

"Be quiet now," said an old Nurse to a child sitting on her lap. "If
you make that noise again I will throw you to the Wolf."

Now it chanced that a Wolf was passing close under the window as
this was said. So he crouched down by the side of the house and waited.
"I am in good luck to-day," thought he. "It is sure to cry soon, and a
daintier morsel I haven't had for many a long day." So he waited, and he
waited, and he waited, till at last the child began to cry, and the Wolf came
forward before the window, and looked up to the Nurse, wagging his tail.
But all the Nurse did was to shut down the window and call for help, and
the dogs of the house came rushing out. "Ah," said the Wolf as he
galloped away,

"Enemies promises were made to be broken."

47



Aesop's Fables

The Tortoise and the Birds

A Tortoise desired to change its place of residence, so he asked an
Eagle to carry him to his new home, promising her a rich reward for her
trouble. The Eagle agreed and seizing the Tortoise by the shell with her
talons soared aloft. On their way they met a Crow, who said to the Eagle:
"Tortoise is good eating." "The shell is too hard," said the Eagle in reply.
"The rocks will soon crack the shell," was the Crow's answer; and the
Eagle, taking the hint, let fall the Tortoise on a sharp rock, and the two
birds made a hearty meal of the Tortoise.

Never soar aloft on an enemy's pinions.

48



Aesop's Fables

The Two Crabs

One fine day two Crabs came out from their home to take a stroll on
the sand. "Child," said the mother, "you are walking very ungracefully.
You should accustom yourself, to walking straight forward without
twisting from side to side."

"Pray, mother," said the young one, "do but set the example yourself,
and I will follow you."

Example is the best precept.

49



Aesop's Fables

The Ass in the Lion's Skin

An Ass once found a Lion's skin which the hunters had left out in the
sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at
his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Ass that day. In
his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then every one knew him,
and his owner came up and gave him a sound cudgelling for the fright he
had caused. And shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said: "Ah,
I knew you by your voice."

Fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool.

50



Aesop's Fables

The Two Fellows and the Bear

Two Fellows were travelling together through a wood, when a Bear
rushed out upon the

m. One of the travellers happened to be in front, and
he seized hold of the branch of a tree, and hid himself among the leaves.
The other, seeing no help for it, threw himself flat down upon the ground,
with his face in the dust. The Bear, coming up to him, put his muzzle
close to his ear, and sniffed and sniffed. But at last with a growl he
shook his head and slouched off, for bears will not touch dead meat.
Then the fellow in the tree came down to his comrade, and, laughing, said
"What was it that Master Bruin whispered to you?"

"He told me," said the other,

"Never trust a friend who deserts you at a pinch."

51



Aesop's Fables

The Two Pots

Two Pots had been left on the bank of a river, one of brass, and one of
earthenware. When the tide rose they both floated off down the stream.
Now the earthenware pot tried its best to keep aloof from the brass one,
which cried out: "Fear nothing, friend, I will not strike you."

"But I may come in contact with you," said the other, "if I come too
close; and whether I hit you, or you hit me, I shall suffer for it."

The strong and the weak cannot keep company.

52



Aesop's Fables

The Four Oxen and the Lion

A Lion used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell.
Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they
turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached
them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell
a-quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a
separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and
soon made an end of all four.

United we stand, divided we fall.

53



Aesop's Fables

The Fisher and the Little Fish

It happened that a Fisher, after fishing all day, caught only a little fish.
"Pray, let me go, master," said the Fish. "I am much too small for your
eating just now. If you put me back into the river I shall soon grow, then
you can make a fine meal off me."

"Nay, nay, my little Fish," said the Fisher, "I have you now. I may not
catch you hereafter."

A little thing in hand is worth more than a great thing in prospect.

54



Aesop's Fables

Avaricious and Envious

Two neighbours came before Jupiter and prayed him to grant their
hearts' desire. Now the one was full of avarice, and the other eaten up
with envy. So to punish them both, Jupiter granted that each might have
whatever he wished for himself, but only on condition that his neighbour
had twice as much. The Avaricious man prayed to have a room full of
gold. No sooner said than done; but all his joy was turned to grief when
he found that his neighbour had two rooms full of the precious metal.
Then came the turn of the Envious man, who could not bear to think that
his neighbour had any joy at all. So he prayed that he might have one of
his own eyes put out, by which means

his companion would become
totally blind.

Vices are their own punishment.

55



Aesop's Fables

The Crow and the Pitcher

A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once
been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the
Pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could
not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last
had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a
pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and
dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped
that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into
the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the
Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher.
At last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a
few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life.

Little by little does the trick.

56



Aesop's Fables

The Man and the Satyr

A Man had lost his way in a wood one bitter winter's night. As he was
roaming about, a Satyr came up to him, and finding that he had lost his
way, promised to give him a lodging for the night, and guide him out of
the forest in the morning. As he went along to the Satyr's cell, the Man
raised both his hands to his mouth and kept on blowing at them. "What
do you do that for?" said the Satyr.

"My hands are numb with the cold," said the Man, "and my breath
warms them."

After this they arrived at the Satyr's home, and soon the Satyr put a
smoking dish of porridge before him. But when the Man raised his
spoon to his mouth he began blowing upon it. "And what do you do that
for?" said the Satyr.

"The porridge is too hot, and my breath will cool it."

"Out you go," said the Satyr. "I will have nought to do with a man
who can blow hot and cold with the same breath."

57



Aesop's Fables

The Goose With the Golden Eggs

One day a countryman going to the nest of his Goose found there an
egg all yellow and glittering. When he took it up it was as heavy as lead
and he was going to throw it away, because he thought a trick had been
played upon him. But he took it home on second thoughts, and soon
found to his delight that it was an egg of pure gold. Every morning the
same thing occurred, and he soon became rich by selling his eggs. As he
grew rich he grew greedy; and thinking to get at once all the gold the
Goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find nothing.

Greed oft o'er reaches itself.

58



Aesop's Fables

The Labourer and the Nightingale

A Labourer lay listening to a Nightingale's song throughout the
summer night. So pleased was he with it that the next night he set a trap
for it and captured it. "Now that I have caught thee," he cried, "thou shalt

always sing to me."

"We Nightingales never sing in a cage." said the bird.

"Then I'll eat thee." said the Labourer. "I have always heard say that
a nightingale on toast is dainty morsel."

"Nay, kill me not," said the Nightingale; "but let me free, and I'll tell
thee three things far better worth than my poor body." The Labourer let
him loose, and he flew up to a branch of a tree and said: "Never believe a
captive's promise; that's one thing. Then again: Keep what you have.
And third piece of advice is: Sorrow not over what is lost forever." Then
the song-bird flew away.

59



Aesop's Fables

The Fox, the Cock, and the Dog

One moonlight night a Fox was prowling about a farmer's hen-coop,
and saw a Cock roosting high up beyond his reach. "Good news, good
news!" he cried.

"Why, what is that?" said the Cock.

"King Lion has declared a universal truce. No beast may hurt a bird
henceforth, but all shall dwell together in brotherly friendship."

"Why, that is good news," said the Cock; "and there I see some one
coming, with whom we can share the good tidings." And so saying he
craned his neck forward and looked afar off.

"What is it you see?" said the Fox.

"It is only my master's Dog that is coming towards us. What, going
so soon?" he continued, as the Fox began to turn away as soon as he had
heard the news. "Will you not stop and congratulate the Dog on the reign
of universal peace?"

"I would gladly do so," said the Fox, "but I fear he may not have heard
of King Lion's decree."

Cunning often outwits itself.

60



Aesop's Fables

The Wind and the Sun

The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger.
Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I
see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller
to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So
the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it
could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the
traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in
despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the
traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

Kindness effects more than severity.

61



Aesop's Fables

Hercules and the Waggoner

A Waggoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way.
At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into
the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So
the Waggoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to
Hercules the Strong. "O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress,"
quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said:

"Tut, man, don't sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the
wheel."

The gods help them that help themselves.

62



Aesop's Fables

The Man,

the Boy, and the Donkey

A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As
they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said:
"You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?"

So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way.
But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy
youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides."

So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they
hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the
other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along."

Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up
before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and
the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and
asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of
yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking
son?"

The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought
and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to
it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went
along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market
Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and
caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey
fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.

"That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them:

"Please all, and you will please none."

63



Aesop's Fables

The Miser and His Gold

Once upon a time there was a Miser who used to hide his gold at the
foot of a tree in his garden; but every week he used to go and dig it up and
gloat over his gains. A robber, who had noticed this, went and dug up the
gold and decamped with it. When the Miser next came to gloat over his
treasures, he found nothing but the empty hole. He tore his hair, and
raised such an outcry that all the neighbours came around him, and he told
them how he used to come and visit his gold. "Did you ever take any of
it out?" asked one of them.

"Nay," said he, "I only came to look at it."

"Then come again and look at the hole," said a neighbour; "it will do
you just as much good."

Wealth unused might as well not exist.

64



Aesop's Fables

The Fox and the Mosquitoes

A Fox after crossing a river got its tail entangled in a bush, and could
not move. A number of Mosquitoes seeing its plight settled upon it and
enjoyed a good meal undisturbed by its tail. A hedgehog strolling by took
pity upon the Fox and went up to him: "You are in a bad way, neighbour,"
said the hedgehog; "shall I relieve you by driving off those Mosquitoes
who are sucking your blood?"

"Thank you, Master Hedgehog," said the Fox, "but I would rather not."

"Why, how is that?" asked

the hedgehog.

"Well, you see," was the answer, "these Mosquitoes have had their fill;
if you drive these away, others will come with fresh appetite and bleed me
to death."

65



Aesop's Fables

The Fox Without a Tail

It happened that a Fox caught its tail in a trap, and in struggling to
release himself lost all of it but the stump. At first he was ashamed to
show himself among his fellow foxes. But at last he determined to put a
bolder face upon his misfortune, and summoned all the foxes to a general
meeting to consider a proposal which he had to place before them. When
they had assembled together the Fox proposed that they should all do
away with their tails. He pointed out how inconvenient a tail was when
they were pursued by their enemies, the dogs; how much it was in the way
when they desired to sit down and hold a friendly conversation with one
another. He failed to see any advantage in carrying about such a useless
encumbrance. "That is all very well," said one of the older foxes; "but I
do not think you would have recommended us to dispense with our chief
ornament if you had not happened to lose it yourself."

Distrust interested advice.

66



Aesop's Fables

The One-Eyed Doe

A Doe had had the misfortune to lose one of her eyes, and could not
see any one approaching her on that side. So to avoid any danger she
always used to feed on a high cliff near the sea, with her sound eye
looking towards the land. By this means she could see whenever the
hunters approached her on land, and often escaped by this means. But
the hunters found out that she was blind of one eye, and hiring a boat
rowed under the cliff where she used to feed and shot her from the sea.
"Ah," cried she with her dying voice,

"You cannot escape your fate."

67



Aesop's Fables

Belling the Cat

Long ago, the mice had a general council to consider what measures
they could take to outwit their common enemy, the Cat. Some said this,
and some said that; but at last a young mouse got up and said he had a
proposal to make, which he thought would meet the case. "You will all
agree," said he, "that our chief danger consists in the sly and treacherous
manner in which the enemy approaches us. Now, if we could receive
some signal of her approach, we could easily escape from her. I venture,
therefore, to propose that a small bell be procured, and attached by a
ribbon round the neck of the Cat. By this means we should always know
when she was about, and could easily retire while she was in the
neighbourhood."

This proposal met with general applause, until an old mouse got up
and said: "That is all very well, but who is to bell the Cat?" The mice
looked at one another and nobody spoke. Then the old mouse said:

"It is easy to propose impossible remedies."

68



Aesop's Fables

The Hare and the Tortoise

The Hare was once boasting of his speed bef

ore the other animals.
"I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed.
I challenge any one here to race with me."

The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge."

"That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the
way."

"Keep your boasting till you've beaten," answered the Tortoise.
"Shall we race?"

So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost
out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the
Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded
on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near
the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race. Then said
the Tortoise:

"Plodding wins the race."

69



Aesop's Fables

The Old Man and Death

An old labourer, bent double with age and toil, was gathering sticks
in a forest. At last he grew so tired and hopeless that he threw down the
bundle of sticks, and cried out: "I cannot bear this life any longer. Ah, I
wish Death would only come and take me!"

As he spoke, Death, a grisly skeleton, appeared and said to him: "What
wouldst thou, Mortal? I heard thee call me."

"Please, sir," replied the woodcutter, "would you kindly help me to lift
this faggot of sticks on to my shoulder?"

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

70



Aesop's Fables

The Hare With Many Friends

A Hare was very popular with the other beasts who all claimed to be
her friends. But one day she heard the hounds approaching and hoped to
escape them by the aid of her many Friends. So, she went to the horse,
and asked him to carry her away from the hounds on his back. But he
declined, stating that he had important work to do for his master. "He
felt sure," he said, "that all her other friends would come to her
assistance." She then applied to the bull, and hoped that he would repel
the hounds with his horns. The bull replied: "I am very sorry, but I have an
appointment with a lady; but I feel sure that our friend the goat will do
what you want." The goat, however, feared that his back might do her
some harm if he took her upon it. The ram, he felt sure, was the proper
friend to apply to. So she went to the ram and told him the case. The
ram replied: "Another time, my dear friend. I do not like to interfere on
the present occasion, as hounds have been known to eat sheep as well as
hares." The Hare then applied, as a last hope, to the calf, who regretted
that he was unable to help her, as he did not like to take the responsibility
upon himself, as so many older persons than himself had declined the task.
By this time the hounds were quite near, and the Hare took to her heels
and luckily escaped.

He that has many friends, has no friends.

71



Aesop's Fables

The Lion in Love

A Lion once fell in love with a beautiful maiden and proposed
marr

iage to her parents. The old people did not know what to say. They
did not like to give their daughter to the Lion, yet they did not wish to
enrage the King of Beasts. At last the father said: "We feel highly
honoured by your Majesty's proposal, but you see our daughter is a tender
young thing, and we fear that in the vehemence of your affection you
might possibly do her some injury. Might I venture to suggest that your
Majesty should have your claws removed, and your teeth extracted, then
we would gladly consider your proposal again." The Lion was so much
in love that he had his claws trimmed and his big teeth taken out. But
when he came again to the parents of the young girl they simply laughed
in his face, and bade him do his worst.

Love can tame the wildest.

72



Aesop's Fables

The Bundle of Sticks

An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to
give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a
faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son: "Break it." The son strained
and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The
other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. "Untie the
faggots," said the father, "and each of you take a stick." When they had
done so, he called out to them: "Now, break," and each stick was easily
broken. "You see my meaning," said their father.

Union gives strength.

73



Aesop's Fables

The Lion, the Fox, and the Beasts

The Lion once gave out that he was sick unto death and summoned
the animals to come and hear his last Will and Testament. So the Goat
came to the Lion's cave, and stopped there listening for a long time.
Then a Sheep went in, and before she came out a Calf came up to receive
the last wishes of the Lord of the Beasts. But soon the Lion seemed to
recover, and came to the mouth of his cave, and saw the Fox, who had
been waiting outside for some time. "Why do you not come to pay your
respects to me?" said the Lion to the Fox.

"I beg your Majesty's pardon," said the Fox, "but I noticed the track of
the animals that have already come to you; and while I see many hoof-
marks going in, I see none coming out. Till the animals that have entered
your cave come out again I prefer to remain in the open air."

It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again.

74



Aesop's Fables

The Ass's Brains

The Lion and the Fox went hunting together. The Lion, on the
advice of the Fox, sent a message to the Ass, proposing to make an
alliance between their two families. The Ass came to the place of
meeting, overjoyed at the prospect of a royal alliance. But when he came
there the Lion simply pounced on the Ass, and said to the Fox: "Here is
our dinner for to-day. Watch you here while I go and have a nap. Woe
betide you if you touch my prey." The Lion went away and the Fox
waited; but finding that his master did not return,